Palin to satisfy the Republican right

John McCain surprised most observers of American politics by choosing the current governor of Alaska Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate. The choice of the 44-year-old mother of five adds youth and experience to Republican attempts to win a third consecutive term in office.

Palin is much loved by US conservatives because of her tax-cutting credentials and her opposition to abortion. It is thought the choice will help McCain make peace with the party’s right-wing Christian base.

Palin is a keen hunter and member of the National Rifle Association, a powerful lobby fiercely against gun control.

Like McCain she has a maverick streak, she has angered environmentalists by opposing the listing of the polar bear as a threatened species and is a big supporter of gas and oil drilling in Alaska. Palin was sworn in as Alaska’s youngest and first female governor in December 2006.

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